U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Removing Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Limitations Act on Mar. 18 to eliminate the lifetime cap on inpatient psychiatric care under Medicare.
The proposed legislation aims to address barriers that limit access to mental health services for seniors. Currently, Section 1812 of the Social Security Act restricts Medicare coverage for inpatient psychiatric care to 190 days over a beneficiary’s lifetime.
“Louisiana seniors deserve easier access to the care they need,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By removing barriers to mental health care, we’re making their lives easier and providing peace of mind for their families.”
If enacted, the bill would erase the existing cap, allowing uninterrupted access to necessary mental health treatment for older adults. The measure has received support from several organizations including the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Legal Action Center, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health America, American Nurses Association, American Psychiatric Association, REDC Consortium, and the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action.
Cassidy is affiliated with the U.S. Senate as a representative of Louisiana in the federal legislative body according to his official website. He serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and influences federal policy on health care according to his official website. Cassidy obtained his undergraduate and medical degrees from Louisiana State University according to his official website.
Cassidy won election to the U.S. Senate in 2014 after holding seats in both the U.S. House for Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District starting in 2008 and earlier in the Louisiana State Senate according to his official website.
